KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
16th October 2015
We strongly recommend viewing KBzine full size in your web browser. Click our masthead above to visit our website version.
Please note that you are viewing an archived issue of The KBzine.
 International News
Products IFA success for AmicaIn and new double ovens
New acrylic bath range is big on user comfort
Cosentino launches 25th anniversary colour for Silestone: Acqua Fraccaroli
Lakes Bathrooms launches in USA
coBuilder UK helping companies create and distribute accurate data across construction industry
Keep clients mindful of home water use with Smart, wall-mounted device
Sottini's new design-led collection defined by craft and creativity
First class surfaces for student halls
|
A study into tradespeople’s websites has found that many companies may be missing out on new business opportunities through failing to make the most of their websites. The results feature below and while I’m not party to the websites studied, I have to say that I wasn’t surprised by the news as I spend a great deal of time navigating my way through various websites every day, searching for contact details, images I can use and other information, and I often find myself thinking; “Now why have they done that?” or “Why haven’t they included this?” and the like – and that’s not just with tradespeople’s websites but those of some big international companies too. I often wonder whether there’s a gap in the market for people whose sole job would be to navigate their way through companies’ websites, pointing out flaws and features that are cumbersome, while making suggestions on any much-needed improvements. One of my bugbears for example is when the only imagery some companies offer is a video – which busy people will not have time to watch (and especially so when it takes longer than it should to buffer). Another issue I regularly encounter is where the web designers have tried to be a little too clever and have over-complicated things to the extent that users have to try and fathom out how to get to where they want to be, or keep being taken back to the same page despite trying different links. It should all be so easy but so often it’s not. As a journalist, I find it particularly frustrating to come across beautifully written and illustrated case studies that haven’t been sent out as press releases. Many potential customers will not plan to visit your website so if you’ve gone to the trouble of producing case studies for your site, you really should send them out to those like me who may decide to share them with the world – and thus entice new customers into your virtual showroom. Your website, to those who aren’t local to your business, is your shop window… your showroom… your place to look after your visitors. Can your customers find their way about easily and uncover everything they need? Will they always find the answers to their questions or will they leave your ‘store’ and look elsewhere instead? Worth checking perhaps? Yours,
 This Week's News
Crossrail skills vacuum creating 'competence chasm' in other parts of UK
Not only is Crossrail an international talent magnet, it is also exerts a potent force felt across the UK. More than a quarter (28.3%) of those starting Crossrail-connected work in the London area are originally from areas more than 30 miles away from the new railway line - in the analysis of over 40,000 individual construction and engineering placements across the UK, including more than 150 different Crossrail-related job-titles. Abode designer hits the D-list!
The D-List comprises designers from some of the most innovative and inventive bathroom and kitchen companies. Martin Smith, editor of the magazine states: "What all 20 D-Listers have in common is that their work inspires and encourages others to continue to raise the bar in innovative design in kitchens and bathrooms, constantly suggesting new ways of utilising clever design to tackle problems old and new".  One third of employers say more staff are going into work despite being ill
The survey of nearly 600 employers finds that 31% have seen an increase in so-called 'presenteeism' in the last 12 months. It also shows that presenteeism is more likely to have increased where there is a culture in which working long hours is seen to be the norm, and where operational demands take precedence over employee wellbeing. Merlyn unveil new Source collection to join installer-friendly Ionic range
The new Ionic Source collection comprises six stunning models; a sliding a pivot Door, a bifold (all in a recess or with side panel), a corner door and 2-door symmetrical and offset quadrants. All of the new Source models benefit from a highly specified list of features including 6mm glass (apart from the bifold model which is 4mm), easy fit frames, magnetic closing and a practical 1850mm height. UK Construction Week building nicely...
Organised by Media 10, the inaugural six-day event spanned five halls of the exhibition centre and attracted visitors from across the entire spectrum of construction - from high-end architects, interior designers and infrastructure engineers, to self-builders and home renovators. Perrin & Rowe innovates with Goddard Littlefair, at hotel design event, Sleep 2015
British luxury kitchen and bathroom brassware manufacturer, Perrin & Rowe, has announced its participation in the hotel design event, Sleep 2015, taking place at the Business Design Centre in London from 24th through 25th November.
Operating with a heightened level of inspired sophistication, Perrin & Rowe, from Stand G41, will provide a highly interactive hotel bathroom experience brought to life through its collaboration with Goddard Littlefair. A London-based, luxury interior design house, Goddard Littlefair was established in 2012 and specialises in high-end hotel, hospitality, spa and residential projects, for clients including Corinthia, Hilton and Starwood Hotels, ESPA and Berkeley Homes. Tradespeople are failing to make the most of their websites
IronmongeryDirect, the online and mail order supplier of ironmongery products to the trade, analysed the websites of 240 trade companies from across the UK, including those of builders, joiners, shop fitters and construction firms. Two new ranges and a fresh strategy see Coram stride ahead
The Optima range of high-quality shower enclosures offer a luxurious finish, packed with features across a wide range of designs and sizes. Core features include 6mm toughened 'Stay Clean' safety glass as standard, the option of chrome or white frames as well as plain, satin or modesty glass. Bella Bathrooms announces new range of Tavistock Bathrooms
The company says it differentiates itself from the competition by only offering bathroom products that are ofhigh quality. The company's mantra is 'if we wouldn't have it in our own home, then we don't sell it'. Every bathroom will give the customer a well-designed, quality bathroom without the designer price tag. As you would expect from Bella Bathrooms, the Tavistock Bathroom range continues in this tradition. New Keys II mild steel towel warmer joins Vogue (UK)'s Contemporary Collection
The Keys II towel warmer is ideal for central heating systems, as well as dual fuel or sealed electric versions and is available in 1080mm to 1840mm heights, with a width of 500mm and depth of 132.5mm. Krieder Parisian kitchens delight at 100% Design
Shimmering in the light, the kitchen featured an alluring wall of sleek, handleless tall units with a mottled gold metallic finish. This special finish was produced by creating a base layer with a bronze lacquer which is sprayed with a gold metallic finish and distressed by hand with a steeple effect, followed by three layers of high gloss lacquer. Masterclass from Gerald in successfully reaching a 25-year milestone
In recognition of his 25 years with the UK kitchen manufacturer, Gerald was presented with a few of his favourite things, including a case of 25 Belgian beers with matching glasses and a Mont Blanc pen and pencil set. The KBzine Archive Search We keep an extensive archive of news stories and product information that have featured in past issues of The KBzine. If you would like to run a search of the The KBzine web site using the search tool below please just go ahead by entering in the name of the person, product or company or any other key words that you are looking for. How to contact us at The KBzine:
|
 REQUEST THE KBZINE HERE The KBzine is broadcast
every Friday. You may receive it FREE each week by
clicking the link above. Recent News
Money isn't everything for 75% of tradespeople
New Year membership restructure for iKBBI
 Trustmark assures advice to its firms through partnership with Bucks and Surrey Trading Standards As the new consumer legislation comes into force yesterday, TrustMark, the only Government-endorsed scheme for all trades in and around the home, announced a new 'primary authority' partnership with Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards to provide assured advice for its Scheme Operators and TrustMark registered firms. EWL pushes for incentives to replace old bathrooms with the latest water/ energy efficient products
Quooker dealers to cook with John Torode
KBSA proud to report another successful AGM & National Meeting
People
Burbidge bolsters Bathroom Division with new recruit
Dream Doors appoints new director of franchising
Paul Pickering promoted to channel manager
Gorenje promotes national sales manager
Marketing
Abode's best sellers get even better... exclusive Autumn promotion
Duo of promotions on Roca wall-hung installation systems
|
